Burmese refugees have a high risk of developing health issues typically because of past traumatic experiences, moving away from home, and ethnic discrimination. Their health issues are often left untreated due to stigma, language barriers, and a lack of resources for and understanding of mental health. Many of the diseases can be fatal or lead to thoughts of suicide. Examples include:
Hepatitis
Tuberculosis
Heart Disease
Depression
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Anxiety
You can help Burmese refugees by learning more about Burmese history and culture while spreading awareness of the civil war in Myanmar. You can also help Burmese refugees by:
Building Community and Social Support
Being able to connect with others, especially if they are also Burmese, can help with mental health and fight against feeling discriminated against.
Education
It is important to advocate for education so Burmese refugees can better understand mental health and destigmatize it.
References
Kim, E. E., Alemi, Q., Stempel, C., & Siddiq, H. (2023). Health disparities among Burmese diaspora: An integrative review. The Lancet Regional Health - Southeast Asia, 8, 100083. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lansea.2022.100083
Kim, W., Yalim, A. C., & Kim, I. (2020). “mental health is for crazy people”: Perceptions and barriers to mental health service use among refugees from burma. Community Mental Health Journal, 57(5), 965–972. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10597-020-00700-w
Wei, M., Wang, K. T., Heppner, P. P., & Du, Y. (2012). Ethnic and mainstream social connectedness, perceived racial discrimination, and posttraumatic stress symptoms. Journal of Counseling Psychology, 59(3), 486–493. https://doi-org.offcampus.lib.washington.edu/10.1037/a0028000